Whalen Park

Henry A. Whalen (1917-1973) participated in eight campaigns during World War II, serving in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Whalen saved the life of William C. Westmoreland (b.1914), who went on to earn the rank of general and command of the war effort in Vietnam; he also earned the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and three Bronze Stars for acts of distinguished valor and being wounded in action. After retiring from the military, Whalen was active in veterans’ affairs throughout he Bronx. One of his greatest accomplishments was getting the Kingsbridge Veterans’ Hospital project approved, though he did not live to see construction completed. Whalen lived a block from this park.